Strip films are considered a potential alternative delivery system and also as a mechanism for maintaining small particles in a non-agglomerated form. This work focuses on the formation and characterization of API particle-laden strip films, the impact of film formulation and formation process on the final film properties.

Film strips made from HPMC and sodium alginate containing dispersed griseofulvin (model drug) microparticles were prepared by film casting. The films were characterized by their physical and mechanical properties as well as by their performance in terms of drug release upon dissolution. Sodium alginate films containing 9.3% (w/w) griseofulvin particles, release 95% of the drug in 50 min. This is significantly faster than HPMC, which attain the same level of release after 80 min. Either film matrix results in much faster release than that observed from the dissolution of the unprocessed drug. Sodium alginate films have a greater drug load capacity than HPMC. HPMC on the other hand, offers a less hygroscopic environment for the particles in the film.

The results suggested that particle-laden polymer strip films present an effective configuration for harnessing the potential of increased dissolution rate offered by small drug particles, while eliminating the otherwise unavoidable issue of particle agglomeration (and reduced dissolution rate) typical of fine particles in powdered form. Different polymer matrices result in different drug release rates with the added possibility of controlling exposure of the drug to environmental factors such as moisture.